Skillet Dinners

Beef And Broccoli Stir Fry

Name: Beef And Broccoli Stir Fry
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground beef; 2 cups broccoli florets; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, grated; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh scallions, for garnish

By Delia Sinclair · June 19, 2026 · Skillet Dinners

Prep15 min

Cook20 min

Total40 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I made a Beef And Broccoli Stir Fry for my family. It was a busy weeknight, and I needed something quick, easy, and delicious. The result was a huge success, and it has since become a staple in our household. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a hearty, comfort-food dinner that can be made from scratch in no time.

The best part about this recipe is that it requires minimal ingredients and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. You can use frozen broccoli if fresh is not available, and you can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to make it more colorful and nutritious.

In this recipe, I will guide you through the process of making a perfect Beef And Broccoli Stir Fry. From browning the beef to cooking the broccoli, I will share my tips and tricks to ensure that your dish turns out flavorful and delicious. So, let's get started and make a delicious Beef And Broccoli Stir Fry that your family will love.

One of the things I love about this recipe is that it's incredibly versatile. You can serve it over rice, noodles, or even as a standalone dish. It's also a great way to use up any leftover vegetables you have in your fridge, making it a perfect meal for a busy weeknight.

As we cook our way through this recipe, I want to encourage you to experiment and make it your own. Try adding different spices or seasonings to give it a unique flavor, or add some heat with red pepper flakes. The possibilities are endless, and I'm excited to see how you make this recipe your own.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for busy weeknights.
You can customize it to suit your taste preferences by adding different vegetables or seasonings.
It's a great way to use up leftover vegetables and reduce food waste.
It's a crowd-pleasing dish that is sure to become a staple in your household.
It's a budget-friendly option that won't break the bank.
It's a healthy and nutritious option that is packed with protein and vitamins.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to a great Beef And Broccoli Stir Fry is to cook the beef and broccoli separately before combining them. This ensures that the beef is cooked to perfection and the broccoli is tender but still crisp. By cooking them separately, we can also control the amount of oil and seasonings that go into each component, resulting in a more balanced flavor.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of layering flavors. We start by browning the beef, which creates a rich and savory flavor. Then, we add aromatics like garlic and ginger, which add depth and warmth to the dish. Finally, we add the broccoli and seasonings, which bring everything together and create a harmonious balance of flavors.

The type of oil used in this recipe also plays a crucial role. We use a neutral-tasting oil like canola or vegetable oil, which allows the natural flavors of the beef and broccoli to shine through. By using a high heat and a small amount of oil, we can achieve a nice sear on the beef and a tender texture on the broccoli.

Resting the dish before serving is also important, as it allows the flavors to meld together and the ingredients to redistribute. This results in a more cohesive and satisfying dish that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Beef And Broccoli Stir Fry, you will need a few simple ingredients. The key players in this recipe are the beef, broccoli, garlic, and ginger. You will also need some oil, soy sauce, and seasonings to bring everything together. When shopping for these ingredients, look for fresh and high-quality options to ensure the best flavor and texture.

One of the most important things to consider when making this recipe is the type of beef you use. Look for a lean cut of beef, such as sirloin or ribeye, and make sure it is sliced into thin strips. This will help the beef cook evenly and quickly, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.

1 lb (450g) ground beefLook for a lean cut of beef, such as sirloin or ribeye, and make sure it is sliced into thin strips. This will help the beef cook evenly and quickly, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.
2 cups broccoli floretsYou can use fresh or frozen broccoli for this recipe. If using frozen, make sure to thaw it first and pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish. You can adjust the amount to your taste, but keep in mind that it will mellow out a bit during cooking.
1-inch piece of fresh ginger, gratedGinger adds a warm and spicy flavor to the dish. You can adjust the amount to your taste, but keep in mind that it will mellow out a bit during cooking.
2 tablespoons vegetable oilUse a neutral-tasting oil like canola or vegetable oil to allow the natural flavors of the beef and broccoli to shine through.
1 tablespoon soy sauceSoy sauce adds a salty and umami flavor to the dish. You can adjust the amount to your taste, but keep in mind that it will intensify during cooking.
1 teaspoon sesame oilSesame oil adds a nutty and aromatic flavor to the dish. Use it sparingly, as it can be quite strong.
1/2 teaspoon saltSalt enhances the flavors of the dish and helps to bring out the natural sweetness of the broccoli.
1/4 teaspoon black pepperBlack pepper adds a sharp and spicy flavor to the dish. You can adjust the amount to your taste.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh scallions, for garnishScallions add a fresh and oniony flavor to the dish. Use them as a garnish to add a pop of color and flavor.

Ingredients for Beef And Broccoli Stir Fry

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or wokSharp chef's knifeInstant-read thermometerCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWooden spoon or spatula

How to Make Beef And Broccoli Stir Fry

1
Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large heavy skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
2
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until it is browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes, or until the beef reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
3
Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Leave the drippings in the skillet.
4
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil to the skillet and swirl it around to coat the bottom.
5
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet and cook until they are fragrant and slightly softened, about 1-2 minutes.
6
Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook until they are tender but still crisp, about 3-5 minutes.
7
Add the cooked beef back into the skillet and stir to combine with the broccoli and garlic-ginger mixture.
8
Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and black pepper to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
9
Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
10
Transfer the beef and broccoli mixture to a serving platter and garnish with chopped scallions.
11
Rest the dish for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the ingredients to redistribute.

Expert Tips

Use a high heat to achieve a nice sear on the beef and a tender texture on the broccoli.
Don't overcook the beef or broccoli, as this can result in a tough and mushy texture.
Adjust the amount of garlic and ginger to your taste, but keep in mind that they will mellow out a bit during cooking.
Use a neutral-tasting oil like canola or vegetable oil to allow the natural flavors of the beef and broccoli to shine through.
Add the soy sauce and sesame oil towards the end of cooking, as they can burn easily and become bitter.
Garnish with chopped scallions to add a fresh and oniony flavor to the dish.
Rest the dish before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the ingredients to redistribute.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the beef or broccoli, resulting in a tough and mushy texture.
Not using a high enough heat to achieve a nice sear on the beef and a tender texture on the broccoli.
Not adjusting the amount of garlic and ginger to your taste, resulting in a dish that is too spicy or overpowering.
Not using a neutral-tasting oil like canola or vegetable oil, resulting in a dish that is too greasy or overpowering.
Not adding the soy sauce and sesame oil towards the end of cooking, resulting in a dish that is too salty or bitter.
Not resting the dish before serving, resulting in a dish that is not flavorful or cohesive.

Variations and Substitutions

Add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to make the dish more colorful and nutritious.
Use different types of protein like chicken or tofu to make the dish more versatile.
Add nuts or seeds like cashews or sesame seeds to add crunch and texture to the dish.
Use different types of oil like peanut or avocado oil to add a unique flavor to the dish.
Add spices or seasonings like cumin or smoked paprika to give the dish a unique flavor.
Serve the dish over rice or noodles to make it more filling and satisfying.
Add a fried egg on top of the dish to add protein and creaminess.

What to Serve With Beef And Broccoli Stir Fry

This Beef And Broccoli Stir Fry is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. You can serve it over rice or noodles, or as a standalone dish. It's also a great option for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. Consider serving it with a side of steamed vegetables or a salad to make it a more well-rounded meal.

Some other ideas for serving this dish include adding it to a bowl with your favorite toppings, such as pickled ginger, green onions, or sesame seeds. You could also serve it with a side of naan or flatbread for a more filling and satisfying meal.

Serve over rice or noodlesAdd to a bowl with your favorite toppingsServe with a side of steamed vegetables or a saladAdd a fried egg on top for extra protein and creaminess

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This Beef And Broccoli Stir Fry can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To store it in the refrigerator, simply place it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge at a temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below.

To freeze the dish, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer at a temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or below. When you're ready to reheat it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

When reheating the dish, make sure to heat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety. You can also add a little bit of oil or broth to the dish to keep it moist and flavorful.

It's also a good idea to label and date the container or bag so you can keep track of how long it's been stored. This will help you ensure that you're serving a fresh and safe meal to your family and friends.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of beef is best for this recipe?

Look for a lean cut of beef, such as sirloin or ribeye, and make sure it is sliced into thin strips. This will help the beef cook evenly and quickly, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish.

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli for this recipe. Simply thaw it first and pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

How do I achieve a nice sear on the beef and a tender texture on the broccoli?

Use a high heat to achieve a nice sear on the beef and a tender texture on the broccoli. Don't overcook the beef or broccoli, as this can result in a tough and mushy texture.

Can I adjust the amount of garlic and ginger to my taste?

Yes, you can adjust the amount of garlic and ginger to your taste. Keep in mind that they will mellow out a bit during cooking, so it's better to start with a smaller amount and add more to taste.

What type of oil is best for this recipe?

Use a neutral-tasting oil like canola or vegetable oil to allow the natural flavors of the beef and broccoli to shine through.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, you can add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to make the dish more colorful and nutritious.

How do I store and reheat this dish?

This Beef And Broccoli Stir Fry can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this dish is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free soy sauce and sesame oil.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Simply reheat it when you're ready to serve.

The Full Recipe

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